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For Members

Support the Library

The Annual Fund

The New York Society Library depends on the Annual Fund to provide unrestricted support. Because membership fees cover only 27% of the annual operating budget, these gifts are critical to the Library's financial health. Contributions of any amount are appreciated and can be made throughout the year by check, an online payment, credit cards or shares of stock. Unlike membership fees, Annual Fund donations are fully tax-deductible. Donors at every level are listed in the Annual Report.

Your contribution will help support the following:

The growth and maintenance of the collection

Readers services for members and scholars

Care of our historic landmark building

The Children's Library collection and programs

Technical services, including workshops and electronic databases

Conservation of our rare books and archives

Exhibitions in the Peluso Family Gallery

Lectures by leading authors, book discussion groups, and performances

How to Make Your Gift

To donate by phone, arrange for a stock transfer or get additional information, please call Diane Srebnick at 212-288-6900 x214 or email development@nysoclib.org. You may also print out and mail the donation form along with your check made payable to The New York Society Library to: The New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

The Library is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services will be exchanged for contributions.

The Chair's Circle

Members of the Chair's Circle are those individual and foundation donors who provide leadership support to the Library and thereby play a critical role in sustaining and nurturing its collection, programs and services. Chair Circle members are invited to an annual celebration in their honor as well as other literary events throughout the year.

Here are other ways to make a contribution:

Most gifts are made to our Annual Fund but there are other ways to support the Library. They include the Goodhue Bequest Society, Tribute and Memorial contributions and gifts that are designated for a special program. Your donation can have an extra impact if your employer has a Matching Gift program. Thank you for your support.

The Goodhue Society

We invite you to join the Goodhue Society by remembering the New York Society Library in your estate plan. This includes bequest intentions and gifts of life insurance and retirement plans. The Goodhue Society was created to recognize and thank those who have provided for the future growth and stability of the Library. It is named for our benefactress, Sarah Parker Goodhue, whose generosity provided for the Library's current home and the establishment of its endowment.

Goodhue Society members are honored each year at a special reception in the spring. To learn more about the Goodhue Society, please contact Joan Zimmett, Director of Development at 212-288-6800 x207 or jzimmett@nysoclib.org.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Matching gifts by corporations strengthen your donation to the Library. To learn if your company matches contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations, please contact your Human Resources representative for information. They will provide you with a form to send to us along with your contribution. We acknowledge matching gifts in our Annual Report.

Tribute and Memorial Gifts

Gifts can be made to the Library in honor of a loved one or friend to celebrate many occasions including birthdays, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, holidays, and anniversaries. Gifts can also be made in someone's memory. We are pleased to notify anyone you wish about your gift. All gifts are listed in the Annual Report.

When making a gift online, you may indicate the name of the person you are honoring and those you wish notified of your thoughtfulness. If you prefer, you may send a check payable to The New York Society Library along with the information about the honoree to The New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.

Designated Gifts

The Library welcomes gifts of cash or securities for special purposes. There are a number of opportunities to underwrite the Library's lectures, exhibitions, or children's programs. Such gifts can also support the endowment, create a book fund, or provide capital support. To learn more about a designated gift, please contact Director of Development Joan Zimmett at 212-288-6900 x207 or jzimmett@nysoclib.org.